Today I'm talking to you about a Bluetooth speaker, which calling it that is an understatement. In fact, TRIBIT StormBox Blast 2, in addition to performing the function of an audio speaker, also allows it to be used in Karaoke mode, or to transform it into a soundbar, as well as being able to use it anywhere even in humid environments such as the swimming pool, thanks to an IP67 certification. The second generation of the Blast series is more powerful while maintaining a smart and tamarra soul, with the many RGB LEDs that go to the rhythm of the music. Portable is perhaps not the right word considering the weight, but I'll tell you everything in detail in this review.
I will not dwell too much on the contents of the package since, inside it, we only find the speaker and the power cable. In fact, our Blast 2 offers the opportunity to always be connected to the mains and in this mode the powerful speakers will release up to 200W while we go down to 180W if we use the speaker in battery mode. In this case, you can proceed with charging via USB-C cable, but arm yourself with patience, as it will take 12 hours for a full charge. In reality, you can also proceed with charging via the power cable, which will bring the time for a full charge to 5 hours. But since we have mentioned the battery theme, a 79,2 Wh unit, I tell you that we can get up to 30 hours of use, optimizing energy consumption, that is, using playback without the XBass function and without the RGB LEDs turned on. In any case, an exaggerated time that will allow you to liven up beach parties or even outdoor raves for an entire day.
TRIBIT StormBox Blast 2 is certainly not portable, considering a weight of 7,150Kg and dimensions of 476,2 x 259,2 x 193,3 mm but the comfortable handle helps in transport. I tested this huge speaker by Tribit using it with various sources, such as smartphones, desktop PCs but also with AUX connection to an MP3 player and to the TV, simulating a sort of soundbar. It is immediately surprising that there is no background noise when there is no content playback, no hiss, no buzz and this is not something to be underestimated.
It is difficult to determine whether the manufacturer's 200W figure is realistic (180W in battery mode), but the StormBox Blast 2 certainly makes its presence felt. I tried this speaker at full volume and at a distance of over 100 meters I could still clearly hear the sound released. Furthermore, at maximum volume the sound is not distorted and I should also point out that at minimum volume you can clearly appreciate the musical contents, in a medium-sized room. The sound signature of the Tribit StormBox Blast 2 is rather "cinematic", with high bass and highs and relatively soft mids.
The bass is definitely powerful, so deep that when I used the speaker as a soundbar, the wall of the bathroom adjacent to the living room vibrated. Bold and strong bass, not to mention the peak they reach thanks to the XBASS audio profile. The voices are relatively balanced and in terms of detail, all the frequencies are well reproduced with excellent quality. Speaking of audio presets, through the companion app, available for both Android and iOS, it is possible to use some preset audio profiles but also create customized ones based on your musical taste. We also find the AudioBook mode that enhances the voices, ideal if you want to relax by listening to Podcasts or audio books.
The Tribit StormBox Blast 2 offers a Bluetooth 5.4 connection that also allows you to connect to two devices at the same time. Furthermore, if we are connected via AUX input and we want to switch to Bluetooth mode, we can do so at any time by quickly double-pressing the appropriate button. Of course, considering the size of the product, we do not have a microphone supplied, therefore both voice commands and calls cannot be managed on this speaker. The LEDs can go through different modes, from off to effects that go to the rhythm of the music with different colors but above all it offers a real light show for example in soundbar mode. The effect is beautiful and visible even in bright light conditions. As already mentioned, the StormBox Blast 2 is IP67 certified, which makes it usable even by the pool, on the beach and in other environments where there is a lot of water around, although it is probably a good idea not to wet it with sea water, since salt has the bad habit of corroding everything.
English: From a purely design point of view, the Stormbox Blast 2 has a rather aggressive look, with a central section covered by a grille and two LED strips on the sides. The top has the aforementioned handle, under which are the various buttons for interacting with the speaker (power, pairing mode, volume down, volume up and down, light effects, XBass switch, stereo/party button). The sides house two bass radiators, while the back has a grille that makes it symmetrical to the front, plus a rubber cover that hides all the connectors and a wonderful surprise: in fact, in addition to finding the USB-C port for charging, an input for the power cable (of the two-pin type), an AUX input and a USB-A port to take advantage of the speaker's large battery to charge external devices, we also find two 6.3mm jack inputs for connecting microphones or keyboards and musical instruments. But it doesn't end there, because we also find knobs for the volume level for the connected microphones and a knob to adjust the reverb effect.
Speaking of drivers and power, the 200W are released by: 2 x 45W Midwoofers, 2 x 15W silk dome Tweeters and 1 x 80W subwoofer with diamond reinforcement ribs. Available we find the companion app, which I have already anticipated a few lines above. In any case, through it we can update the firmware, enable an automatic shutdown, enable a sound prompt and much more. We can then connect two Blast 2 in stereo mode (each Tribit will play either the right or left channel) or in party mode (both Blast 2 will play music without channel distinction) and this offers the opportunity to animate large outdoor spaces.
The Tribit Stormbox Blast 2 is an impressive portable speaker, but its weight and size are justified by its high build quality and above all by its sound output. Ideal for livening up parties but also for relaxing with audiobooks or background music. The current price on Amazon is €239,99 by redeeming a coupon from the purchase page and at this price you should not let it slip away. Versatile, robust, beautiful and damn powerful, so if your mother-in-law starts to bother you you can "silence" her with a concert at home.
